eveningstcr

[eveningstcr]

closed starter // @lovelylittlelottie

If Tiana were to be really honest with themself about their social life, they might admit that they didn't really have many friends. Of course, the waitress always tried their best to be nice to everyone and stay in touch with people, but they were just so busy. After decades of working on their career, Lottie was really the only childhood friend they could claim to have kept. Partially because of situations like this one...

"You know I can't go dancing, Lottie," Tiana shook their head, already hearing the pleading from the blonde, "My feet are aboutta burst out of these shoes."

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Growing up in Godscobh was not the easiest position to be in. As the only kid of working class parents, Tiana had seen all the ways the politicians of the town failed the people around them and even more so, how their own parents struggled. Tiana would've given anything for a few more nights at home in the kitchen with their father, but he was always working long hours on the newest construction for the Zika or the Bete families.

Case in point, why Tiana had never let themself grow too fond of Mr. Hades running the town according his whims. But when their father had passed a few years back, Tiana was surprised to find him far more caring and respectful than expected. Maybe he wasn't entirely the rich and aloof leader her often portrayed himself as.

Tiana was a little spooked to hear their name in public, quickly turning around to greet the man in surprise, "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ignore you," They reassured, cautious for the consequences of ignoring the town's mayor, "I- Well, yes, sure, I've got some time. Don't have to be at the bar for another hour."

Closed starter for @eveningstcr Setting: A coffee shop.

This cafe, filled with chatter, and hisses of espresso machines, wasn’t Hades’ usual hangout. He much preferred the quieter corners of town, but he had found himself here anyway, sipping a black coffee that had long gone cold. His gaze flickered idly over the other patrons, not particularly interested until his eyes landed on a familiar face. Tiana.

He had always had respect for her, and maybe a soft spot, even. She seemed to carry herself the way he remembered her parents had – head held high, shoulders straight, as if she bore the weight of the world without letting it break her stride. Hard work and determination were something he saw in them, and now in her. Hades had always had a certain respect for that.

“Miss Tiana,” he said, casually greeting her as she passed. His voice was low enough not to draw too much attention, but warm enough to hold her in place for a moment. “I didn’t expect to see you here. Care to join me? Or would you rather pretend you didn’t notice.” He half joked; his smile grew just enough to suggest he wouldn’t take offence either way.

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Tiana gave up at some point and just fully took the laces out of the back of her corset, finally getting the two unlaced and separated. Of course, now the back of her dress was open and she was tasked with lacing back up, so the table would have to wait a minute or two anyways, "Always good to get a belly full'a food when you're stressed," Or inebriated, which Tiana could obviously tell. But that wouldn't have been helpful to bring up to the girl, "My name's Tiana, and this is my booth, so if anyone tries to get you to leave, I can say you're with me."

Alice had been so ready to say no. To simply leave and carry on with her night. Convincing herself that it was the better option. Maybe it was but it was also the easier option. The words were on the tip of her tongue when her stomach growled. She hadn't eaten since earlier this afternoon and a beignet did sound really tempting now that she mentioned it. The young girl shifted from foot to foot, indecision weighing on her. “Alright, you’ve won me over.” A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “You’re being awfully nice, all things considered. Thanks for that.”

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Tiana would've never used the colorful language Hector did towards many of the town's families - but boy, did they want to sometimes. After a childhood of friendship with Lottie, nothing really phased them in terms of how spoiled with presents and joy a kid could be. And Tiana never minded much anyways - even in a town this destitute, their own childhood was filled with plenty of light too, "I'm not sure actually. I think it was like, 3 birthday kids and about 10 of their friends. Not rude, just very loud."

And even with that generously kind description of the party, Tiana suspected Hector still wasn't keen on the "little rats," as he called them. He didn't strike them as the kind of guy who'd ever dreamed of the picket-fence family life with 2.5 kids. Then again, Tiana had learned not to make assumptions about the patrons, "I don't really mind the parties, they pay well. It just gets to be a lot of mess. I could never have a family that big."

Being an only child, Tiana had never even had the experience of siblings and sharing a room or toys. And who could even imagine raising a family in a town like this? Tiana's parents didn't have much of a choice in the matter, but Tiana thought a lot about how much better the town could be in the future, once more honest businesses set up.

"As ever." Hector snorted out a laugh, shaking his head as he pulled his drink closer. He appreciated that Tiana seemed to know how to pull humor from him despite the general moroseness he was known for. Few succeeded when many tried, and it wasn't a coincidence that the person he chose to drink with was one of the few.

"Whose rats were they? At the party." The term was harsh, but he knew all the happily (and unhappily) married couples in the town. Precious few should be popping out children nowadays. The population of Godscobh was barely chugging along, and he had no intention of adding to it. Not with how miserable it was to be surrounded by the slowly crumbling community.

Waiting a bit for the answer, he listened to Tiana discuss how the rest of their day would go. An occasional humm or nod of agreement signaled he was still listening, even when foggy blue eyes focused on the wood grain under his elbows.

"Hopefully yer night is quieter." At least he'd be here to make sure it was. The men and women at the bar knew better than to raise hell with the barkeep when he was there. Hector wasn't above tossing a weighted rocks glass at the rabble. Especially if it disrupted his night.

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Ayo Edebiri wearing MIU MIU – The Today Show (2022)

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What the girl said was true - Tiana was busy and it definitely took attention away from hosting the dessert cart decorated high with her creations. But she couldn't just let someone leave when they were obviously in distress, "I'm sure you will be, but it's still important to center yourself," They tried to remember any lessons from drinking or drug PSAs... Things that would maybe help someone come down from their highs easier, "Why don't you have a warm beignet? This'll be sure to calm those nerves."

Alice took a few deep breaths, trying to recenter herself. Wanting desperately to be semi calm for a few minutes. Just long enough for her to get free and out of here. She could be as manic as she wanted afterwards. “Right, sorry. Calm is good.” Her voice was soft but a little more even. The laces loosening helped, giving her a better picture of how to get free. “I’ll be okay really. You seen busy and I’ve been enough of a bother already.”  

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Tiana was a little surprised that it seemed Danny hadnever even considered a question about his future. Of course, he was still young and had plenty of time to get his life together, but Tiana couldn't be more different. She'd had her sights set on her restaurant ever since her father had planted the idea and let it flourish and grow together, "I'm sure your mom can take care of herself," Tiana chuckled, recalling how caring and kind Ms. Rooney was, "Now, I'm not one to tell anyone how to live their life, but you might do well to start thinking about other places you can apply your skills. You're just so creative, Babycakes, I'd hate to see that go to waste on gold balls," Though if Danny did want to work at a putt-putt course his whole life, Tiana supposed she'd support him.

Danny chuckled, the image of the grand music hall being disturbed by him and his kazoo making him laugh. "Now that sounds like a real fine place! VIP treatment and my own kazoo spot? I'd be there every day!" He chuckled, their conversation already making him feel like just about anything was possible. He could practically see it all already, the menu, the future restaurant, the whole place just bustling with life. He only paused when she asked about his own dreams, a thoughtful expression crossing his face as he ran his hand along his chin. "My dream?" he parroted, a bit surprised by the question. "I dunno, I guess I've never thought that far ahead. I just like making people smile, helping out where I can. Taking care of momma." he shrugged, smiling despite his lack of substantial answer. "Life's kinda like my stick experiment. Just throwing things out there and seeing what floats back. At the minute? Mostly golf balls." he chuckled, giving her a sheepish smile. "Guess I'll figure it out eventually. But, don't worry. I'll still be there to play kazoo at your grand opening!"

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It was a good thing Tiana's boss here was an absentee manager, or else he might've checked their stock a little too regularly or reprimanded them for favoring customers. If anything, Tiana was just grateful Hector wasn't the "give me free stuff because the customer is always right" types - those were the people who really made their jobs hell. Along with people who couldn't read, people who couldn't obey rules... The general lot that Hector could also understand was exhausting.

"Well, I've only been here for an hour or so, and I'm here till last call at 2am," After that, Tiana would go home and collapse for another 3 hours before heading out for their morning shift. Maybe the shift would go a little faster with an easy customer like Hector - his glass was filled in record time, "But my shift at the diner wasn't too bad. Just a birthday party for a bunch of 9 year olds - you would've loved it."

Their sarcasm was thick and heavy as Tiana tended to a few other customer's drinks, only mildly annoyed with a man making a 'check' sign in the air with his hand, "I'll take it the docks were just as delightful and filled with life?"

"Hey, Ti." Hector's old wading boots made a racket as he stomped his way over to the bar. Not the dive nearest to the docks, but definitely the one with the best service. Tiana knew to overpour just enough that a man with any sense knew to tip her a little extra.

His seat, an old stool with the lowest support knocked off, was always waiting in the corner. With the wall on one size he could better avoid the racket of all the other old sailors and young shit-starters that came around. When he was drinking, Hector wasn't much for talking. It was the time he saved for his thoughts, recalling his day, considering his life. Any sane man needed some time for that.

"Long as always." Before he could blink, Tiana had a tumbler of whiskey in front of him. He didn't much care what kind, but suspected they always poured him something a little nicer than what was in the well. A warming sip later, and he let a ghost of a smile settle on his chapped lips. "What about you, kid? Makin' good money today?"

Didn't seem too busy around, but it was still early. Half the blue collar men had just gotten off work, himself included. Sunburn dusted the back of his neck and the tops of his cheekbones, and the old Harbormaster used the back of his hand to cool the angry skin while he waited for the bartender's response.

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It was actually a little embarrassing to be called an old soul, though perhaps not completely untrue, "I just mean like, I'm not allowed to have it on me while working. It's probably in my boss' office," When the younger guy realized he didn't know who to call, Tiana held out their hand for it, "Probably the landlord, then maybe the fire department? Do you not live in the building?"

"Ah, you're one of those old souls, then?" He was half teasing, half genuinely curious, his eyes on his own phone screen now. "Do you have any idea who I'm supposed to... call?" His mind was blanking, and he couldn't remember the number for the building, failing to Google it in the moment. Maybe it was more of a 911 situation. "I mean, I've slept worst places... but I usually had a pillow, at least."

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Tiana had faith in her cooking skills, of course, but still held a little bit of anticipation whenever she tried out something new. There was always the chance the recipe would be a bust and Tiana was just wasting ingredients... "You're probably right, though I dunno when mango's gonna start getting imported here," Tiana sighed, tending to a refill at the end of the counter before returning to Pascal, "It's not every day fresh produce just falls from the sky. I can't imagine tryna keep flowers alive."

They smiled, happy for their friend to have more business line, they deserved it more than anyone. First, while Tiana busied themself with other customers, Pascal sank their fork into the pancake, trying a bite without any toppings. Then they added the butter, drizzled it in maple syrup and took another bite, mm-ing in approval. "Very nice," they told her, "it adds a kick. Mango slices would go so well on the side."

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TASK 001: TIANA'S PLAYLIST

a fun summer playlist for the waitress who can never seem to get a free moment for themself. these are the songs tiana would imagine going out and dancing to or just jamming at home with - that is, if they even had a free moment to spare this past summer.

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EE BAFTA Film Awards 2024 // The Princess and the Frog

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Tiana was happy to go anywhere with Danny, even if her feet were still aching a bit after her shift. They'd sit down at another bench soon enough, thankfully, and she'd at least go the bed with a full stomach, "You're too sweet," Tiana held a hand to her heart as the younger man went on about her dreams. He'd always had this innate ability to inspire and create new ideas in his head. Even when they were younger, he'd suggest playing restaurant with his Fisher Price toys while she'd cook dinner for him, "I'll make sure you're given the VIP treatment, that's for sure. There'll be a big music hall where you can play your kazoo," she chuckled, letting Danny lead them further down the boardwalk, "Don't you have a dream too? Or you gonna make a career out of the stick-throwing business?"

Danny's grin widened, face lighting up with that boyish enthusiasm she seemed to have always brought out of him. "Hey, popcorn works too! And don't worry, I've got it covered. Mad scientist snacks are on me." he gave her a little wink, clearly happy just to be spending time with her again. He paused, though, catching the hint of something more serious in her words. "You know, one day, you are gonna have that restaurant." he said, tone more earnest. "I know you, T. If anyone can make it come true, it's just gotta be you." He looked back at the sticks floating in the water, gathering his thoughts. "And hey, when you do, I'll be first in line." He reached out, offering his arm with a grin. "But, until then, let's go grab that popcorn, huh?"

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closed starter // @theheathengold

Tiana was not keen on accepting the job bartending near the harbor when they'd first started. The town was shady enough as it is, and Tiana like to minimize the time they were out after dark. If they had to leave the house, they would try to make it in a well-lit, smokeless place that didn't engage in the pixie dust trade. The exact opposite of the harbor.

And yet, the bartending paid hourly plus tips, probably because there were so few people who'd actually be desperate enough to take the job. Tiana didn't like to think of themself as desperate... Just reasonable and following where the money was. That was the most anyone in this town could hope to be.

The fishermen and blue collar guys who visited the bars liked their drinks strong and liked to be left alone. Tiana could work with that. Much better than the diner customers snapping their fingers to get Tiana's attention or demanding refunds. As far as service jobs went, things could be worse.

Mr. Barbossa was one of many older gentlemen who frequented Tiana's shifts, and probably the most powerful. Though they'd never sought out much information about the man, Tiana knew he'd been working on the harbor longer than they'd been alive. They formed a nicely symbiotic relationship. She poured a little extra in his drinks, he didn't bother her with stupid questions.

"Welcome in. Long day?" Tiana waved quickly while pouring another customer a gin and tonic, hearing the tell-tale thudding of Hector's boots enter the bar.

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"Jesus," Tiana exclaimed under her breath, not expecting to get into a full-on brawl today. She took a step back, bracing herself, "All I meant was you're doing a great job."

A statement which obviously held a certain level of sass to it, but gave Tiana enough plausible deniability that they meant it kindly. If the Bete kid didn't have anything to be ashamed of, then he shouldn't have had a problem with it.

"Besides, what do you care about the opinion of someone who buys coffee at Goodwill?"

Okay, now they're making it personal and Adam will not stand for that.

He steps closer, getting in their face.

"You keep my mother out of your mouth, and I'll make sure to keep yours out of mine."

His tone is low and rough, like simmering coals on the brink of starting a huge bonfire.

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Tiana breathed a small sigh of relief once the door closed behind her. Even if she didn't feel completely at home in the pawn shop, Rocky was a welcome face considering all the times he'd helped her out before, “Didn’t realize it was so obvious,” She gave the older man a slight smile, walking up to the counter to present her treasures.

“I think these came from my grandmama, probably a good 60 years old if I had to guess,” Of course, she did trust Rocky to give her a fair value for them, and she needed the money�� But it was hard to part with heirlooms. She could only imagine who her own mother would fawn over the rings and say Tiana would be able to find some other way to get the money, "And just like last time, I promise I'll be back for them."

Rocky glanced up from the counter, a familiar grin spreading across his face as Tiana stepped inside. He could tell that she'd rather be just about anywhere else, but, that was the nature of the game. People came here because they had to, not because they wanted to. "Well, well." he said warmly, leaning forward and folding his arms on the glass countertop. "Tiana, always a pleasure. You know you're welcome anytime, no need to look so nervous." He nodded toward her coat, though he understood the need to keep yourself right, especially in this part of town.

"Rings, ay? Alright, let's see what you've got." he extended a hand, inviting her to lay them on the counter. "I'll do my best to. make it worth your while. Coming into the season of goodwill and all that, isn't it?"

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Oh please, Tiana rolled their eyes as the man began to text whoever he thought was more important than this. Not that they cared to spend all day talking to some Richie Rich wannabee, but it was funny that he was so recognizable based on his rudeness alone, "My mom used to work for yours. She would sew her dresses for charity fundraisers or banquets or... whatever. Good to see you're really keeping the family legacy going."

Tiana could say they worked hard every day to make their momma proud, clearly this dude could not say the same...

"Yeah, you want an autograph or something? Had a celebrity crush on me in high school? Sorry, I'm not interested in fulfilling any kinky fantasies of yours."

He texts Louis to get him a new suit ready and to rework his schedule for the day. Clearly, he needs the time.